Amidst global concerns about COVID-19 World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) urges the travel and tourism industry to rally together to ensure that tourism continues to thrive on the African continent.

“WTM Africa 2020 has the best interests of the industry at heart, whilst health and safety of our attendees remains our highest priority. WTM Africa monitors the World Health Organization’s report on a daily basis,” said Carol Weaving, MD of Reed Exhibitions Africa.

Her response comes amid concerns raised by the tourism industry about certain buyers not being allowed to attend, but Weaving has emphasised that all buyers are welcome to attend WTM Africa, barring those from countries where they are unable to travel due to their own government restrictions.

“All buyers have been personally contacted by WTM Africa and we look forward to welcoming them to the show at the beginning of April. Furthermore, we have taken additional measures to ensure the safety of our participants,” added Megan Oberholzer, Portfolio Director: Travel, Tourism & Sports, Reed Exhibitions Africa.

CEO of the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) Chris Mears, noted that the continent was navigating uncharted waters. “However the tourism industry is notoriously resilient. Now, more than ever, it is important that we work together in a calm and realistic way to meet the challenges ahead as the situation evolves,” he said.

“As always, the safety and security of our community who promote tourism to Africa are our prime considerations. We are all in this together and we will be giving our full support to WTM Africa and the City of Cape Town as they work to deliver the forthcoming events.”

CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Enver Duminy, added: “Since tourism – and events tourism in particular – plays such an important role in the South African economy, we are playing our part and working together as an industry and offer our full support to WTM Africa.”